Shore guard™ - shoreline erosion control system

ABSTRACT

ShoreGuard™ is a flow and erosion control system that is a prefabricated breakwater structure with a series of Louvers that is placed off shore to have a slowing effect on the velocity of the current both incoming and outgoing. The slowing of the current allows sand and sediment to accumulate on the shoreline side of the structure, therefore, building a beach or adding to the existing shoreline. The structure can be very aggressive in this effort the closer to the shore that it is installed. However, it is recommended to be installed in 14 feet of water at low tide for safety.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention is an erosion control device made of carbon steel for salt water applications and aluminum for freshwater applications. Carbon steel is used for saltwater due to its' weight and durability in harsh ocean tidal conditions. Both structures are entirely coated with Coal Tar Epoxy, Cerama-Kote or a similar nontoxic, antifouling, and durable coating. They are both fence like breakwaters that allow sand and sediment to penetrate through the structure with the opening of louvers upon incoming currents. This allows the sediment to settle in front of the structure when the louvers close upon outgoing currents slowing the flow of water. Both saltwater and freshwater structures are manufactured prior to installation and can be installed in a continuous line anchored together or separated, whichever is best for the situation or project site.

Salt Water ShoreGuard™ Ocean Application

The Salt Water ShoreGuard™ is comprised of a Base Plate of Carbon Steel 40′ in length and 6′ in width with a continuous Z design. This Base Plate acts as a suction cup and anti scouring device laying on the sea floor.

ShoreGuard™ Permit-able Breakwater Background of ShoreGuard™

This invention came about in early 2000 when I first introduced the idea to Army Corps. Of Engineers and their 227 Program for innovative technology. I have always been very interested in the shoreline erosion problem and the money spent on shoreline erosion in many locations by dredging and other means. Along came the next storm and washed it all away.

I began putting this idea together and talked to several professionals with various degrees in engineering such as mechanical, physical, bio, and coastal. They all felt this had quite a bit of merit. The actual research began in 2002 with small models placed in water current conditions to see how the current and sediment reacted. Our tests were very successful in my eyes.

In 2003, I designed the salt water structure with much research on metals, paints, and anti fouling techniques with regard to it being placed in extremely heavy currents and salt water which is very corrosive. Also, research was done on off shore placement for maximum effectiveness along with safety issues that had to be addressed.

As the research progressed, the fresh water design came out of tests being conducted. However, the metal strength needed was quite a bit less and the design did not need to be as heavy. The same basic function and design still exists for the fresh water structure, but its' placement would be much different.

In 2005, I began contacting Florida Dept. Of Environmental Protection and Army Corps. Of Engineers along with coastal counties to see where the interest may lay with this idea. I had a open minded audience that was willing to work with me. In February 2006, I attended the first annual Innovative Technology Workshop sponsored by FDEP in Tallahassee, Fla. I was the first speaker and presenter of my innovative design. Some interest peeked through and I have been promoting this product ever since. We now have our first fresh water project that was installed in January 2007 that was permitted by FDEP, Army Corp. Of Engineers and Florida Fish and Wildlife, a great feat all by itself. It is now November 2007 and we have just received our first permit from Army Corps. Of Engineers to place ShoreGuard in the ocean at Flagler Beach, Fla. SeaBull Marine is very excited about this latest development with plans to install ShoreGuard in January 2008.

SUMMARY OF SHOREGUARD™

Shoreline erosion prevention and renourishment. The FEC System which now has the Trademark name of ShoreGuard is a simple design for a century old technology that is known as a breakwater.

The salt water design is made of high grade carbon steel and coated with a anti-fouling, non-corrosive and nontoxic substance such as Coal Tar Epoxy or Cerama-Kote. It is a zig-zag design, fence-like structure that is prefabricated. It is designed to allow the current to flow through a louver system that opens with incoming currents, but has a slowing effect on the current, and the louvers close with the outgoing current slowing the velocity of the water even more. This action then allows the sand and sediment, which is heavier than the water, to sink to the ocean floor in front of or shoreline side of the structure. With each incoming wave, the current acts as a bulldozer pushing the sand previously deposited closer and closer to shore as it continues to deposit additional sand. The salt water ShoreGuard™ will normally be placed in approximately 14 feet of water at low tide. We have found that this measurement of water can vary off shore greatly depending on the coastline. Most of the applications we have come across so far are between 200 and 300 feet off shore. The placement can vary and the results can be maximized in a shorter period of time if placement is closer to the shoreline. However, the placement recommended in 14 feet of water at low tide is much more of a safety issue to not hinder the boat or swimmer traffic. Also, it does not take away from the natural beauty of the beach because it is completely submerged in water.

The fresh water design is made of aluminum because the strength of steel is not needed in this type of current. Also, this fence like structure follows a pretty straight line with the shoreline, but can be curved around to follow the shore when necessary. We have found that the application for this structure will normally be within 10 feet of the high mean water line and will almost always be exposed out of the water. This deemed necessary to avoid boaters and swimmers from coming in contact with the structure because its' close proximity to the shoreline. It maintains the same louver design as the salt water structure to stop erosion and actually replenish and stabilize the shoreline to allow marine vegetation to take hold.

DRAWINGS Brief Descriptions

FIG. 1—Top view looking down on ShoreGuard noting the zig-zag, fence-like design and the dimensions.

FIG. 2—Side view of ShoreGuard louvers assembly.

FIG. 3—Front view of ShoreGuard louvers assembly.

FIG. 4—Front view of a louver assembly with dimensions.

FIG. 5—Side view of a louver assembly with dimensions.

FIG. 6—Side view of a louver assembly with dimensions.

FIG. 7—Front view of a louver assembly with dimensions

FIG. 8—Front view of a bushing assembly with dimensions.

FIG. 9—Side view of a bushing assembly with dimensions.

FIG. 10—Front view of a bushing assembly with dimensions.

FIG. 11—Side view of a bushing assembly with dimensions.

FIG. 12—View of ShoreGuard frame with bushing opening to connect louvers.

FIG. 13—View of ShoreGuard louver with connecting rod and bushing.

FIG. 14—Another top view of ShoreGuard showing the ability to use pivot plate to change directions of the structure when in a continuous line.

FIG. 15A—Front view of an alternate louver design, a paddle wheel design.

FIG. 15B—Front view of an alternate louver design, a star design.

FIG. 15C—Front view of an alternate louver design, a prop design.

FIG. 15D—Front view of an alternate louver design, a single curved design.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The construction material for ShoreGuard™ is high grade carbon steel for the salt water structure and aluminum for the fresh water structure. Different strengths or gauges can be used of each material for individual project site requirements because of the various degrees of velocity of current flow and other elements that may affect the site.

Salt Water—The salt water ShoreGuard™ begins with a Base Plate of heavy gauge carbon steel with a thickness of ½ inch that measures 40 feet in length and 6 feet in width with a Z or zig-zag design. The Z design consists of a 5 feet section attached to a 10 feet section welded together and continues alternating these lengths to comprise the 40 feet total section. The Base Plate contains prefabricated holes in each corner of the directional changes of the Z to allow the Anchoring Spuds to be placed through the holes and drilled into the ocean floor. There are 13 prefabricated holes in one 40 feet section. The Base Plate also has 5 male receptacles at one end of the 40 feet structure to attach another 40 feet structure. The other end has 4 female receivers to interlock another structure. This interlocking system gives the entire structure increased stability in the heavy ocean currents. If the structure needs to pivot at a particular point because of a curve in the shoreline, a round pivot plate also made of carbon steel can be installed at either end of a 40 feet structure.

Attached to the Base Plate by welding are the Support Beams for the Louvers. These Support Beams are 4 feet in height, 4″×4″ square or 4′×8″ rectangle, hollow and are made of carbon steel with a gauge of ½ inch in thickness. The Support Beams are welded into place in the center of the 6 feet wide Base Plate 10 feet and 5 feet apart which is the length of the Louvers. Each Support Beam has prefabricated holes for the placement of the louvers. They are located on both sides of the Support Beams and there are a total of 8 on each side. The 4″×8″ Support Beams are located where the 5 and 10 feet length Louvers join at the directional changes to allow clearance for the Louvers to open and close freely. The Louvers are also presently made of carbon steel and a gauge of ⅛ inch. They are 10 feet and 5 feet in length and 6 inches in height. Each Louver is welded to a Support Rod that is inserted into the Support Beams horizontally. The Support Rod allows the Louvers to open only in one direction. There are specially designed Black Delron Bushings or other appropriate bushing material that is placed around the Support Rod when placed into the prefabricated holes of the Support Beams. This allows the Louvers to open and close freely without friction taking place with the steel. The bushings also keep the non-corrosive, non toxic and anti fouling coating from being rubbed away as the Louvers open and close. There are 8 Louvers between each set of Support Beams that total 4 feet in height. If a Louver becomes damaged, the individual Louver can be replaced on site. The Louvers can also be made of other materials such as fiberglass, plastic, aluminum, and stainless steel.

The Anchoring Spuds are made of carbon steel with a gauge between ¼ and ½ inch. They are normally 8 feet in length and are square in shape. The Anchoring Spuds are drilled through the prefabricated holes of the Base Plate and down into the ocean floor at least 7 feet. The Anchoring Spuds also have prefabricated holes in the top to allow a large locking bolt to be placed through these holes that holds the Base Plate in position. The Base Plate, Support Beams, Support Rods and Louvers are all preconstructed prior to installation or being placed off shore. Once in place, the Anchoring Spuds are drilled through the prefabricated holes of the Base Plate and drilled into the ocean floor. The 40 feet sections can be attached together end to end by the male receptacles or the female receivers. Then Anchoring Spuds are drilled through the holes of the ends of two 40 feet sections. This adds more strength to the entire structure through the weight joined together. One 40 feet section weighs in excess of 8 thousands pounds or 4 tons. The entire structure is painted and repainted with a non-corrosive, nontoxic and anti fouling substance such as Coal Tar Epoxy or Cerama-Kote. These highly durable coatings have a indefinite life span when not exposed to air or sunlight, which our salt water structure will not be since it is installed several feet below the surface of the water.

Fresh Water—The fresh water structure begins with two 8 to 12 feet Anchoring Spuds made of aluminum. The gauge of aluminum can vary due to various conditions of a particular project site. The Anchoring spuds have prefabricated holes for the Support Rods to attach the Louvers, the same as salt water. The Louvers are attached between two Anchoring Spuds. Each section of the fresh water version of the structure will normally be 6 feet wide, but the height and width can be adjusted to fit individual needs of a particular site. Just as the salt water structure, the fresh water has 8 louvers that are 6 inches in height. If the size of the structure needs to be altered, the number of Louvers can be decreased as well as the Anchoring Spuds' length. It is entirely preconstructed before installation. The Anchoring Spuds are drilled into the river, bay, inter coastal or lake floor from 4 to 8 feet depending on the consistency of the ground on a particular site. These 6 feet sections can be attached together in a constant row with a top cap securing the structures together for stability and a section or sections can be pivoted to adjust to the shoreline. The fresh water structure is simpler in design because of the placement that is allowed by government agencies, the less severe conditions that it is placed in and the need for it to be seen by swimmers and boaters because of its' close proximity to the shore. 

1- ShoreGuard™ is a shoreline erosion control system that uses the currents to open, close or spin Louvers that are attached to a framework stationary on the ocean floor that has a slowing effect on the current allowing heavier particles such as sand to be deposited in front of or the shoreline side of the structure. 2- A shoreline erosion control system according to claim 1, consisting of Louvers that are attached to the framework by Support Rods insulated by specialty bushings to protect the Support Rods from erosion or friction. 3- A shoreline erosion control system according to claim 2, consisting of bushings that are male and female to insulate the Support Rods from corrosion or loss of protective coating and are of a extremely smooth surface to deter fouling of marine life. 4- A shoreline erosion control system according to claim 2, the Louvers can be manufactured of various materials such as carbon steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, fiberglass and plastics and the size can be adjusted for individual needs of a location and the design can be of a unidirectional Louver that can open 180 degrees or a rotational Louver that spins 360 degrees. 5- A shoreline erosion control system according to claim 2, the Support Rods which are welded to the Louvers can be of various sizes to adjust the size of the Louvers for individual needs of a location. 6- A shoreline erosion control system that consists of a Base Plate, on which, the entire structure is welded into place and acts as the anchor and anti scouring plate on the ocean floor, having prefabricated openings for Anchor Spuds to be inserted through said openings and drilled into the ocean floor. 7- A shoreline erosion control system according to claim 6, the Anchor Spuds are square, rectangle or round and hollow or solid support chambers that are inserted into the prefabricated openings on the Base Plate and are drilled into the ocean floor at various depths depending on the strength of the currents and the consistency of the ocean floor. 8- A shoreline erosion control system that is entirely coated with a non-corrosive, non toxic, and anti fouling coating that prevents aforementioned events from taking place in the severe salt water environment. The coatings used have to be OSHA approved as well as approval from Department of Environmental Protection, Fish and Wildlife and Army Corps. Of Engineers. The coatings presently being used are Coal Tar Epoxy and Cerama-Kote. As technology advances, we will use the most durable coating available to meet our standards. 9- A shoreline erosion control system according to claim 6, that consists of an optional pivoting Base Plate that can be connected at either end of the prefabricated structures' Base Plate which allows the next connecting structure to have a directional change to follow the shoreline. 10- A shoreline erosion control system according to claim 9, that can have any number of continuos prefabricated structures installed and joined together to create a fence-like breakwater or it can be a single unit. This depends on the application needed at a particular site. 11- A shoreline erosion control system according to claim 1, that causes a slowing effect on the incoming current flow by the Louver system interacting with the flow of water and slowing the outward tide even more which allows particles that are heavier than water such as sand and sediment to deposit closer to the shore. 12- A shoreline erosion control system that according to claim 1, consists of many various placement options as to how far the structure is placed off shore. The placement can determine how quickly the sand and sediment accumulates for the location or locations being affected by the structure. The further off shore it is located, the more time will need to elapse for accumulation of sand and sediment because of the distance to the shore and the larger area to be affected between the shore and the structure. The closer to shore that the structure is placed, the more aggressive the accumulation of sand and sediment will be. 13- A shoreline erosion control system according to claim 12, that is mobile and can be moved or adjusted to meet changing needs. 14- A shoreline erosion control system according to claim 6, that consists of Locking Pins, Bolts, Caps or any other locking device that can be used to affix the Base Plate to the Anchor Spuds to secure the structure to the ocean floor. 15- A shoreline erosion control system according to claim 1, that has a zig-zag or Z design that enables the structure to manage the northern and southern current flows in a more direct and efficient manner. 16- A shoreline erosion control system according to claim 6, the Base Plate contains male receptacles at one end and female receivers on opposite end to create a secure interlocking system to join two structures together or to add a pivoting Base Plate. 17- A shoreline erosion control system according to claim 1, that consist of a skeletal support frame underneath the structure for extra support for transporting and installation. 18- A shoreline erosion control system according to claim 2, that consists of a locking mechanism on the top and complete length of the Louver System to structurally stabilize the Louvers and to keep them from binding and a support bar and locking mechanism to obstruct the bottom Louver from retracting in a negative position. 